Key Points 1. Drug reactions and viral exanthems are the most common causes of a generalized erythema 2. Rule out infection first in a patient with generalized erythema 3. Correct diagnosis requires complete history, physical examination with attention to sites…
Key Points 1. Examine for partial versus complete pigment loss and presence or absence of scale 2. A Wood’s light examination accentuates white spots, especially in fair-skinned individuals 3. Vitiligo is a common cause of depigmentation White spots should be…
Key Points 1. Pustules represent collections of neutrophils 2. Rule out infection when you see pustules 3. Pustules can be sterile Acne Key Points 1. Acne is the most common dermatologic disease with negative psychosocial ramifications 2. Comedones are the…
Key Points 1. Itching is usually prominent 2. Primary lesion is usually a papule 3. Skin biopsy when needed confirms clinical suspicion Insect Bite Reactions Key Points 1. Immediate hives after insult suggest the diagnosis 2. Develop only in people…
Key Points 1. Blistering is an easily recognized primary lesion 2. Weeping and crusting suggest a blistering process 3. There are multiple causes of blistering Where blisters occur in the skin helps in making the diagnosis 1. Intraepidermally 2. Subepidermally…
Key Points 1. Scaling disorders have multiple causes – immunologic, infectious, and neoplastic 2. Borders are usually distinct, in contrast to eczema 3. Scaling (stratum corneum) is not crusting (dried fluids and blood) The papulosquamous disorders have diverse causes, as…
Key Points 1. Appearance varies from blisters to scaling, lichenified plaques 2. Itching is prominent 3. Distribution can be localized or generalized Types of dermatitis: 1. Acute – vesicles 2. Subacute – juicy papules 3. Chronic – lichenification The hallmarks…
Key Points 1. Biopsy nodules of uncertain origin 2. Suspect cancer for hard dermal nodules Color and consistency are helpful distinguishing features. Color and consistency are helpful distinguishing clinical features. The color of the lesion sometimes reflects the nature of…
Key Points 1. Melanocytes produce melanin, the skin pigment 2. When recognized early, malignant melanoma is curable Freckle Key Points 1. Sun-induced brown macules 2. Evidence of significant sun exposure and light complexion Definition A freckle (ephelis) is a brown…
Key Points 1. Proliferation of keratinocytes or basal cells 2. Scaling usually prominent 3. Bleeding or crusting suggests cancer Actinic Keratosis Key Points 1. Precancerous 2. Prevent with sun protection Definition Actinic (solar) keratosis is a precancerous neoplasm of the…